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Thursday, September 1, 2011

Vinyl Record News & Music Notes

The Who Announce Full Details and Track-Listing for the Release of 'Quadrophenia: The Director's Cut' Boxset

Release date: November 15th 2011 via Universal Music Enterprises

A stunning 'Director's Cut' of the landmark 1973 album produced, authorized and overseen by Pete Townshend.

Considered by Pete Townshend himself to be the Who album that he is most proud of, 'Quadrophenia' is the last album in the Who back catalogue to be given the deluxe treatment and is perhaps the most deserving. After the 1971 album 'Who's Next', Pete Townshend returned to the 'rock-opera' concept, so dramatically realized through 'Tommy', with another ambitious double-album masterpiece. Based around the story of Jimmy – QUADROPHENIA tells the tale of a young mod and his struggle to come of age in the mid-1960s. The story also takes its influence from the band's early fans from the original mod era, and its themes of teenage angst and disaffection still resonate strongly today.

The full details and track-listing for the forthcoming 'Director's Cut' reissue of 'Quadrophenia' are released for the first time below and Pete Townshend has opened his personal archive for the very first time for the release, stating that:

"The time has come for me and my team to honour 'Quadrophenia' with a carefully presented package that features examples of the impact surround sound (quadrophonic) would have on the music, to remaster the vinyl mixes, and to collect and restore my demos. I am also going to try to shed some light on the way 'Quadrophenia' came about, and how it was inspired by events in my life in 1970 and 1971 when I scribbled or typed the very first notes and lyrics for some of the songs that made it onto the final record.'

'Quadrophenia: The Director's Cut' will be the definitive version of the album and a must for any self-respecting fan of The Who and beyond.

The super-deluxe limited edition box set will feature the following exclusive content:

•Discs one and two – the original double album – 2011 remaster

•Discs three and four – 25 demo tracks from Pete Townshend's studio archive giving a unique insight into the original vision for this remarkable body of work. Includes songs that were not included on the original album.

•Deluxe 100-page, hard-back book featuring a brand new 13,000 word essay by Pete Townshend, shedding exclusive light on the period before and during the creation of the album, explaining some of the technical processes – the startling and progressive use of synthesisers as well as a revealing insight into the story of the album's central character - the mod Jimmy.

•Also features Pete's in depth, track-by-track guide to the demos and revealing studio diary.

•The stunning book also includes a treasure trove of previously unseen personal notes, photographs, handwritten lyrics and memorabilia from the period, all recently uncovered in Pete's archive.

•The package also replicates the striking black and white imagery from the original vinyl LP photography and adds never-seen colour out-takes of the famous cover shot.

While earlier this month three teens were arrested in connection to the Sony/PIAS warehouse fire that destroyed tens of thousands of CDs and vinyl records, newly leaked information is suggesting that the operation could have been a planned robbery cashing in on the mayhem of the London riots.

London's Telegraph newspaper [via The Daily Swarm] points to undisclosed sources within the security industry suggesting that the Sony/PIAS distribution warehouse was targeted by a professional gang who used the developing riots as the perfect cover for their robbery.

consequenceofsound.net has some great things to say about the band, i love the LP as well!

Album Review: Cymbals Eat Guitars – Lenses Alien

By Winston Robbins

Looking back (and slightly forward), 2011 has been the year of sophomore triumphs. From the perfection and major ripening of Bon Iver and Fleet Foxes to the sweet eclecticism of Lykke Li, it’s been a hell of a year for acts faced with the dreaded sophomore slump. In a typical year, we’ll witness dozens of bands fall victim to the hurdle, but on the whole, bands poised to challenge their respective slumps this year have ended up knocking them out of the park. We’re happy to add one more name to the roster: Cymbals Eat Guitars.

There are a hundred different reasons this record will speak to you louder than its already very good predecessor. Whether it’s the shoegaze approach they’ve adopted that is a perfect fit for the band, the vastly improved musicianship, or the overall boldness with which they attack this album, something’s bound to catch you, whether or not you were taken with the debut album.

Punk cover band Me First and the Gimme Gimmes are touring Japan to promote their new EP "Sing in Japanese" this month. Comprised of players from famed punk and rock acts NOFX, Lagwagon, Swingin' Utters, and Foo Fighters, they will play Tokyo, Nagoya and Osaka before performing at Yokohama's sold-out Air Jam 2011 festival on Sept. 18.

When told that some overseas musicians have called off tours because of the problems from the Great East Japan Earthquake in March, vocalist Spike Slawson says Me First and the Gimme Gimmes never considered not coming.

With Nevermind anniversary weeks away, music's biggest bands reflect on the other indispensible albums from a great year for rock.

By James Montgomery

On September 24, Nirvana's epochal Nevermind album turns 20, a milestone that will be marked with much coverage, celebration and consternation in the media ... not to mention a sundry of other events, including a high-profile benefit concert at Seattle's Experience Music Project and a Jon Stewart-hosted Q&A with Nirvana's surviving members.

And understandably so. After all, Nevermind was a game-changer in every sense of the term — the kind of album that brought about seismic shifts in music, fashion and culture in general, one that defined a generation and, as such, deserves to be mythologized. And, in the coming weeks, we suspect you'll see no shortage of stories that do just that.

In the midst of its 30th anniversary celebration, the Talking Heads spinoff the Tom Tom Club is working on new music.

"We're a little behind schedule on it," confesses drummer Chris Frantz, who put the Tom Tom Club together with his wife, bassist and vocalist Tina Weymouth, and used a rotating cast of musicians through its five studio albums. "We were hoping to have something out by the fall. We'll make it, but it might be late fall rather than early fall." And Frantz doesn't expect a full-scale album release that would be Tom Tom Club's first since "The Good, the Bad and the Funky" in 2000.

"We're not really thinking in terms of albums anymore. We're thinking in terms of singles and EPs, and if we have enough EPs that sound good, then we'll put them together for an album," he explains.......

Nebraska knows there is a part of you that wants to rock and roll all night, and maybe even party every day. That part may be way down, deep inside of you, but it's just aching to come out and play.

Nurture your inner-rock star by playing the Nebraska Lottery's $5 KISS Scratch Game. Each time you scratch, you have a chance at winning the top prize of $50,000. And if you don't scratch a winner, you'll be given an encore chance at fame and fortune. Just enter the KISS Second-Chance Giveaway.

The most influential British blues album of all time, featuring Eric Clapton.

1966’s seminal Blues Breakers with Eric Clapton marked John Mayall’s emergence as a major recording artist, as well as his commercial breakthrough. The 12-song LP, considered by many to be the most influential British blues album of all time, marked the official introduction of Mayall’s long-running, ever-evolving combo the Bluesbreakers. Mayall shares the spotlight here with soon-to-be-superstar guitarist Eric Clapton (who quit the Yardbirds in order to pursue his blues muse with Mayall), along with future Fleetwood Mac co-founder John McVie on bass and Hughie Flint on drums. Blues Breakers with Eric Clapton is generally acknowledged as a musical milestone for Clapton; his scorching playing and over-the-top tone dominates the entire album. With the group’s punchy performances captured in straightforward style by noted producer Mike Vernon, the album offers a potent combination of Mayall originals and distinctive interpretations of songs by Ray Charles, Freddie King, Little Walter and Otis Rush.

From the pristine U.K. mono masters, with complete original artwork and photos.

In 1953, the popular Lubbock, Texas duo of Buddy Holly and Bob Montgomery audition for radio station KDAV's Sunday Party. They will earn a time slot on Sunday afternoon that becomes known as The Bob and Buddy Show.

In 1955, Alan Freed's First Anniversary Rock 'n Roll Party kicks off at the Paramount Theater in Brooklyn, New York. Among those appearing on the bill are Chuck Berry, Tony Bennett, The Nutmegs, The Rhythmettes, The Cardinals and The Four Voices.

In 1956, 19 year-old Jerry Lee Lewis arrives at Sun Records hoping for an audition, only to find that owner Sam Phillips is on vacation in Florida. Jerry Lee records some demos that Phillips will hear when he gets back.

In 1956, Elvis Presley bought his mother a pink Cadillac.

In 1962, Tommy Roe had his first number one hit when "Sheila" reached the top of the US Pop chart. The tune was a re-recorded version of a song that was first released in 1960 when Roe was part of a group called The Satins. Roe's recording success would continue until 1971, during which time he had five more Top 10 hits.

In 1965, James Brown and Booker T. & the MG's appear on TV's Shindig! The Godfather of Soul performed "Papa's Got a Brand New Bag".

In 1967, the movie "The Fastest Guitar Alive," starring Roy Orbison and Sheb Wooley, was released.

Also in 1967, Boz Scaggs rejoined Steve Miller's band where he would be included on the albums Children of the Future and Sailor.

In 1972, the O'Jays receive a Gold record for their first single, "Backstabbers", which made it to #3 on Billboard's Pop chart.

In 1973, Paul and Linda McCartney along with Denny Laine begin recording tracks for Wings' upcoming album "Band On The Run" at EMI studios in Lagos, Scotland.

In 1976, Ode Records president Lou Adler and employee Neil Silver were kidnapped at Adler's house in Malibu. The two are released after paying a $25,000 ransom. A week later, a California couple was charged with the crime, but a third accomplice got away.

In 1977, rhe rock group Blondie, featuring former Playboy Bunny Debra Harry, sign their first major record company contract with Chrysalis Records.

Also in 1977, the Beach Boys, despite being embroiled in bitter feuds between themselves, played a free concert in New York's Central Park to an estimated crowd of over 150,000.

INXS performs live for the first time in Sydney, Australia in 1979.

In 1984, It had been twenty-four years since Tina Turner had been on Billboard's Hot 100 with a song she recorded with her husband Ike called "A Fool In Love". Now she was back with the number one song in the US, "What's Love Got To Do With It". The record would go on to win Grammy Awards for Record Of The Year, Pop Vocal Performance - Female and Rock Vocal Performance - Female.

Paul McCartney released his "Press to Play" LP in 1986.

In 1995, Cleveland's Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum was opened with a seven-hour concert with dozens of stars.

The iTunes Music Store reached 125 million songs sold in 2004.

In 2005, 77 year-old Fats Domino was rescued from the flooding in New Orleans caused by Hurricane Katrina. He had earlier told his agent that he planned to remain in his home despite the order to evacuate.

Also in 2005, Barry Cowsill, bass guitarist for The Cowsills, died on or about September 1st from injuries believed to be caused by Hurricane Katrina. His body was not recovered until December 28th, 2005, from the Chartres Street Wharf, New Orleans. He was 51.

In 2008, Jerry Reed, whose hits included "Amos Moses" (#8 in 1971) and "When You're Hot, You're Hot" (#9 in 1971), died of complications from emphysema at the age of 71. He is also remembered for his 1977 co-starring role in Smokey And The Bandit with Burt Reynolds, Jackie Gleason and Sally Field.